Ingenius and elegant attempt at creating a perpetual motion machine

The sound of the ball on the track immediately satisfied me that there is friction in this system and thus cannot run indefinitely. Still, it appears to be remarkably efficient and the ingenuity is undeniable. The combination of a metal ball, magnets, a gimbaled rack and multiple pendulums is not something I've ever seen before.

This remarkable piece was made by artist Reidar Finsrud.

[ Thanks Christoph! ]

---

The man killed by an automaton -- one of history's strangest deaths

The BBC News Monitor site is relaying the story of a man who was accidentally killed by a clock jack -- the figures that strike the bell in large tower clocks -- back in 1876. What a way to go.

Here is where you can read the article Victorian strangeness: The man killed by an automaton.

---

Weight-driven rotating marble machine powers a kinetic sculpture

Check out this clever weight-driven kinetic sculpture. The marble moving through the tracks cause the box to rotate, which acts as as type of escapement.

From the creator:

The thread connecting the two weights is wound around a reel on the axis of the front part. As one of the weights is heavier, the front wants to rotate. Where the marble reaches the "bottom", there are two levers. These levers prevent the machine from spinning while the marble is on the track, and release the machine every time the marble hits one of them. The levers also work as a ratchet mechanism to allow easy winding up. The marble probably feels a bit like Sisypho

[ Thanks Felix! ]

---

The Meditator - a mechanical cartoon by Tom Borromeo

Check out this very funny automaton by Tom Borromeo titled The Meditator.

See more Mechanical Cartoons by Tom Borromeo on his web site.

[ Thanks Dave! ]

---

Proxxon Scroll Saw for model and toy making

I already own a decent scroll saw so it would hard to justify this purchase. But...maybe it's not to late for you!

From the product description

This is the ideal machine for that delicate project: model building, toy manufacturing and precision work. It cuts soft wood (e.g. bass wood) up to 1 3/16" (30 mm), hard wood up to approx. 25/64" (10 mm), plastic (including circuit boards) up to approx. 5/32" (4 mm) and non-ferrous metals up to 5/64" (2 mm) with standard scroll saw blades. The machine has a very stable ribbed die-cast aluminum saw frame with 11 13/16" (300 mm) throat. The blade guide is equipped with an integrated blower. The patented head-part is height-adjustable in 3 positions and offers numerous advantages: The lifetime of the saw blade is tripled after shortening it twice (teeth in the middle part of the saw blade are finally used, too). With the head in the lowest position, working with a blade shortened to 2 23/64" is even more precise. The machined worktable of die-cast aluminum has a size of 6 19/64" x 6 19/64" (160 x 160 mm) and is equipped with an adjustable longitudinal stop and graduated miter gauge (0-90°). The ABS plastic body provides a very practical sliding door on the right side of the housing for the removal of saw dust. The saw is powered by a 110 - 120V motor (85 W) for prolonged use, low noise performance and even supported by a quiet and wear-resistant toothed belt drive, running in a ball bearing assembly. The machine offers an electronically controllable stroke rate from approx. 150 - 2,500 strokes/min.

Here's the link to the Proxxon 37088 DS 115/E Scroll Saw

---

Automaton pays tribute to the writer Ernest Hemingway

Check out this automaton by Eduardo M. Lázaro in Mexico. The piece is a tribute to the writer Ernest Hemingway's novel The Old Man and the Sea.

Also, check out his awesome steampunk pilot!

See more art by Eduardo M. Lázaro on his Facebook page.

---

Help Gary Schott create a new workspace and get new limited edition kinetic works!

In celebration of deciding to build his first private studio space, metalsmith, jeweler, and kinetic artist, Gary Schott, is offering two limited edition designs to the donors of his Indiegogo campaign. The two designs are based on his ongoing series of works, Mustache Portraits. The front of one piece is shown above and the back below. They are beautifully crafted.

The first comprehensive book of his Schott's work will also be a donor gift included with each limited edition piece. Maybe you have a friend who collects contemporary jewelry. Maybe you know someone who loves automata and mechanical toys. Perhaps you just really want to help support a member of the creative community. This Indiegogo project ends in just 10 days. Don’t miss this opportunity to collect one or both of Gary’s whimsical and and elegant works!

 You can read more, see the other design, and watch the supporting video on  Gary’s project page.

---

Tom Haney repairs a vintage window display "nodder" figure

Here's an interesting post by artist Tom Haney about his experience repairing an old, automated window display. I recall that he called me at the time and it was fun to speak with him about it. Sadly, I don't think I was much help. At least I could point him to a real expert on the subject.

I like his repair. It may not be how the original worked, but it sure sounds safe, practical, and effective. He has some great under-the-hood shots of the figure and mechanism. Well done!

Here's where you can read about Tom Haney's repair of a vintage nodder figure.

---

German-made hand vise used by jewelers, watchmakers, and clockmakers

The hand vise shown here is sure to be a useful addition to any Maker's toolbox. Similar tools have been used by jewelers, watchmakers and clockmakers for ages.

Based on the design of a tool from the 1900s, this little hand vise is helpful for holding all manner of small objects. Because there is a hole which passes through the handle, wire can be threaded all the way through and then worked above the serrated jaws which hold it securely.

The hand vise is tightened with a wing nut. Made in Germany of high grade tool steel, it measures 4-1/2 inches in length with a 5/8 inch jaw width.

Here is where you can get this German-made hand vise.

---

Clockwork Universe: The amazing German clocks and automata from 1550 to 1650

The book entitled Clockwork Universe: German Clocks and Automata, 1550-1650, is a comprehensive history of the golden age of German clock-making. The book explores the complex mechanisms, the exquisite artistry, and the changing world-view that contributed to their creation.

The guiding thesis of the book is a familiar but compelling one:

The mechanical clock, at least in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, with its rational design and regular running, demonstrated an orderliness lacking in almost every aspect of life at that time. The clock came to offer an explanation for the mysterious workings of the cosmos: living creatures were in fact automata, and the universe itself was an enormous clockwork.

The book features beautiful black & white and color photographs, 200 illustrations and technical drawings. These visuals supplement the detailed descriptions of clocks, automata and mechanical celestial globes from this period. There is even a short section on the famous monk automaton. This is a wonderful reference book covering some astounding mechanical creations.

Here is where you can get a copy of Clockwork Universe: German Clocks and Automata, 1550-1650.

---

Automaton-artist Tom Haney announces amazing new web site and portfolio

Automaton-artist, Tom Haney, has just announced the launch of a new web site. The site looks gorgeous and really highlights his outstanding work. He is in the process of creating a video for each of each piece going way back to 2006.

Here is a photo of one of his latest pieces, titled Retrofit.

Here is where you can see Tom Haney's new web site.

---